Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

We have temporary managing conservatorship over our granddaughter and the judge says she will live with us til she is 18.The mothers rights are terminated and we have been trying to terminate the father since 2003. in Nov 07 the judge set requirements for visitation that the father has not followed. He has not even send a card in 2 1/2 years and has had no other contact in over 3. We sent a letter to the judge referencing the case # to request a meeting with him but have not gotten a response. Can we meet with the judge without a hearing? If a hearing is required can we file and represent ourselves? We have spent a lot of money on this and do not have any more for another lawyer. The judge is retireing in Dec and we will be moving from the county of jurisdiction and would jike to adopt her before either of this happens.


Asked on 10/05/10, 7:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Dunn Mark D. Dunn

A hearing IS a "meeting with the Judge." And everybody (all parties) has to be notified. A private meeting with the Judge isn't allowed - it's called an "ex parte contact," and it's illegal.

Yes, you can represent yourselves. It isn't a good idea, though. The reason that family lawyers are so expensive is that they're worth it.

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Answered on 10/12/10, 6:29 am


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